Job site communications systems, methods, and computer program products

ABSTRACT

Job site communications systems, methods, and computer program products. According to one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein, a job site communications system is provided. The job site communications system can include a wireless communications device adapted to be positioned at a job site and operable to wirelessly communicate annotated computer-aided design documents from the job site. The job site communications system can also include a computer positioned at a site remote from a job site and operable to receive or transmit the computer-aided design documents.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/504,409, filed Sep. 18, 2003, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to communicationssystems and methods. More particularly, the subject matter disclosedherein relates to communications systems and methods for allowingcommunication of computer-aided design (CAD) documents between a jobsite and a location remote from the job site.

BACKGROUND ART

Work projects occurring at job sites, such as construction job sites,typically require frequent communication between job site personnel andoff-site personnel located remote from the job site. Job site personnelcan include project managers, superintendents, foremen, job crewpersonnel, and sub-contractors. Off-site personnel can includearchitects, engineers, project managers, and construction projectdevelopers or owners. Job site and off-site personnel typicallycommunicate by the exchange of documents, such as computer-aided design(CAD) drawings, paper-based blueprints, daily reports, regulatorycompliance forms, and punch lists. These are typically paper documentsand thus require communication via postal mailing or other delivery byhand.

Currently, the communications systems used by job site and off-sitepersonnel include cellular telephones and facsimile machines. Thesecommunications systems lack the ability to conveniently store, update,and communicate the array of complex documents typically exchanged byjob site and off-site personnel. Additionally, these communicationssystems lack the ability to clearly and conveniently communicate jobsite problems that need professional resolution, such as by an architector engineer. Thus, a communications system is needed that is operable tocommunicate the types of documents and other data typically exchangedbetween job site and off-site personnel.

Therefore, it is desired to provide a communications system that canelectronically communicate documents, such as CAD drawings, dailyreports, regulatory compliance forms, punch lists, and any other jobsite-related documents between a job site and a remote location.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a job site communications system is provided.The job site communications system can include a wireless communicationsdevice adapted to be positioned at a job site and operable to wirelesslycommunicate annotated computer-aided design documents from a job site.The job site communications system can also include a computerpositioned at a site remote from a job site and operable to transmit orreceive the computer-aided design documents.

According to a second aspect, a method for communication with a job siteby means of a communications system is provided. The method can includea step for providing a job site communications system at a job site. Thesystem can include a wireless communications device adapted to bepositioned at a job site and operable to wirelessly transmit job sitedocuments from a job site. The system can also include a computerpositioned at a site remote from a job site and operable to receive thejob site documents. The method can include a step for transmitting jobsite documents from the wireless communications device at the job site.The method can also include a step for receiving the job site documentsat the computer remote from the job site.

According to a third aspect, a second embodiment of a job sitecommunications system is provided. The job site communications systemcan include a computer positioned at a site remote from a job site andoperable to automatically transmit computer-aided design documents. Thejob site communications system can also include a wirelesscommunications device adapted to be positioned at a job site andoperable to receive the computer-aided design documents from a job site.

According to a fourth aspect, a second embodiment of a method forcommunication with a job site by means of a communications system isprovided. The method can include a step for providing a job sitecommunications system at a job site. The system can include a computerpositioned at a site remote from a job site and operable toautomatically transmit computer-aided design documents. The system canalso include a wireless communications device adapted to be positionedat a job site and operable to receive the computer-aided designdocuments from a job site. Further, the method can include a step forautomatically transmitting computer-aided design documents from thecomputer remote from the job site. The method can also include a stepfor receiving the computer-aided design documents at the wirelesscommunications device at the job site.

Some of the objects of the subject matter disclosed herein having beenstated hereinabove, other objects will become evident as the descriptionproceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as bestdescribed hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein will now beexplained with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a job site communications system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a tablet PC;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow charts of a process for transmitting documentsfrom a tablet PC to a remote computer;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for transmitting documents from aserver computer to a wireless communications device;

FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram of a job site communications system;

FIGS. 6A-6C are flow charts of a process for automatically transmittingan envelope or document via wireless communication;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a work authorization form;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a product order form;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a main menu;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying an annotated photograph;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a transmission device;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a sketchpad;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying an annotated CAD drawing;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary screen display of a tablet PCdisplaying a parts catalog; and

FIG. 15 is another illustration of an exemplary screen display of atablet PC displaying the parts catalog shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Job site communications systems, methods, and computer program productsare provided for allowing communication between a job site and alocation remote to the job site. In particular, systems, methods, andcomputer program products are provided for communicating annotatedcomputer-aided design (CAD) documents or drawings, annotated digitalphotographs, and other data between a job site and a location remote tothe job site. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a job sitecommunications system, generally designated 100. Job site communicationssystem 100 can include the following: a tablet personal computer (PC)102; a wireless base station 104 including a cellular telephone tower; aserver computer 106; and a remote computer 108. Tablet PC 102 can belocated at a job site. Base station 104, server computer 106 and remotecomputer 108 can be located remote from tablet PC 102.

The functionality of tablet PC 102 can be implemented in hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Tablet PC 102 can alsoinclude a software application (or computer program product), referredto herein as CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software application, for operatingtablet PC 102 to wirelessly communicate with wireless base station 104,annotate CAD documents, and receive and store digital photographs.Alternative to tablet PC 102, another suitable wireless communicationsdevice, such as a personal data assistant (PDA) (e.g., the PALMPILOT®PDA provided by Palm, Inc. of Milpitas, Calif.), a notebook computer, acellular telephone, a pocket personal computer (PC) (as send/receive),text cellular telephone, and pagers (as a receive-only device orreceive/transmit device), can communicate with base station 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of tablet PC 102 according to oneembodiment. Tablet PC 102 can include a user interface 200 such as atouchscreen display, stylus, or keyboard for receiving operator inputand displaying text and pictures to the operator. Tablet PC 102 can alsoinclude an envelope generator 202 for generating an empty meta-document,digital envelope for storing and transmitting selected documents storedon tablet PC 102. A message formatter 204 can populate the envelope withCAD drawings (annotated or not annotated), photographs, notes, andsketches. Tablet PC 102 can also include a recipient list 206 listingrecipient devices for receiving the envelope. A communication interface208 is operable to communicate wirelessly with base station 104 fordelivering the envelope to server computer 106 and remote computer 108.Tablet PC 102 can also include a photo module 210, such as a digitalcamera, for capturing photographs of the requested area of the job site.The CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software application can include instruction forimplementing the functions of one or more of modules 200, 202, 204, 206,208, and 210.

Referring again to FIG. 1, base station 104 can communicate data betweentablet PC 102 and remote computer 108. Base station 104 can alsocommunicate with server computer 106. Server computer 106 can receiveand store data transmitted between tablet PC 102 and remote computer108. Server and remote computers 106 and 108 can communicate databetween a wire communications system, such as the Internet 110. Remotecomputer 108 can be a conventional computer having an Internetconnection with a web browser and an electronic mail (e-mail) client.

Referring to FIG. 1, tablet PC 102 can utilize communication interface208 to wirelessly communicate with base station 104 in a cellular-basedconnection and run the CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software application. Tablet PC102 can be used at a job site, such as a construction site, forcommunicating CAD documents and other types of job documentation withbase station 106. Additionally, tablet PC 102 can communicate andprocess paper-based daily reports and punch lists, voice and paper-basedordering material, and delivery scheduling. Tablet PC 102 can store CADdrawings, project specifications, site plans, addendums, modifications,shop drawings, and regulatory information for user access.

Referring again to FIG. 2, photo module 210 can comprise a digitalcamera for photographing an area of a job site, such as a portion of aconstruction site, for documenting progress at the job site. Userinterface 200 can display a photograph taken with the digital camera andpermit annotation of the photograph. Subsequently, the annotatedphotograph can be transmitted to server computer 106 or remote computer108.

Referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, a flow chart, generally designated 300, isprovided which illustrates a process for transmitting documents from atablet PC, such as tablet PC 102 shown in FIG. 1, to a remote computer,such as remote computer 108 shown in FIG. 1. Referring specifically toFIG. 3A, the process begins at the step indicated by reference numeral302 where a tablet PC user starts the communication process. At step304, envelope generator 202 (FIG. 2) or, alternatively, theCONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software application, can generate an emptymeta-document, digital envelope for storing and transmitting selecteddocuments stored on tablet PC 102. Next, the user can operate tablet PC102 to populate the envelope with CAD drawings (annotated or notannotated), photographs, notes, and sketches (step 306). The tablet PCuser can then select recipient devices from a predefined list stored inrecipient list 206 (FIG. 2) and transmit the envelope to the selectedrecipient devices (step 308).

At step 310, message formatter 204 can secure, encrypt, and compress theenvelope and further prepare the envelope for transmission. The envelopecan include a manifest document for communication to remote computer 108(FIG. 1). The bundled files can include scanned CAD documents, digitalphotographs, daily reports, and punch lists. The envelope can alsoinclude any paper-based form documents that the user has converted todigital format. In addition, electronic notes, sketches, and voicerecordings can be included in the envelope.

At step 312, the CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software application canautomatically locate a preferred network connection type from among anumber of available connections (such as wire, dial-up, Wi-Ficonnection, and cellular) and transmit the envelope to a servercomputer, such as server computer 106 shown in FIG. 1, via the preferrednetwork connection type. The envelope can be transmitted over HTTP(hypertext transfer protocol) or HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol oversecure socket layer (SSL)) as a web service.

Referring to FIG. 3B, server computer 106 can receive and open theenvelope into individual files and a manifest file (step 314). Prior todocument transmission, server computer 106 can determine a preferredfile format for transmission to a remote system, such as remotecomputer, a facsimile machine, or another remote wireless device, suchas a cell phone, pager, or PDA. The preferred file format can be anyappropriate file format for utilization or viewing by remote computer108. Next, server computer 106 can convert the documents, such as a CADdocument, into the preferred file format and version and transmit thedocument to server computer 106.

Server computer 106 can also log the transaction and view the recipientlist. Server computer 106 can store a complete and detailed logging ofall transactions between tablet PC 102 and remote computer 108. The dataon a particular transaction can include date, time, list of documentstransmitted, actual document data, binary document data, sender,receiver(s), unique identifier for transaction, senders location (e.g.,global positioning satellite (GPS)), sending hardware identification,and proof of receipt. Additionally, a conventional computer including aweb interface can view the logged information.

Server computer 106 can also create and format separate messages foreach intended recipient device (step 316). The messages can be formattedfor transmission as a standard e-mail attachment, a facsimiletransmittal, a text message for a cell phone or pager, or a desktopclient messenger application for standard web service. Server computer106 can format the documents to an appropriate format and transmissionmedia. Next, server computer 106 can transmit the messages to therecipient devices, log the transmissions, and verify that the recipientdevice has received the documents (step 318).

At step 320, the recipient device can receive the document as a standarde-mail attachment, a facsimile transmittal, a text message for a cellphone or pager, or a desktop client messenger application for standardweb service. When receiving the document via e-mail, the recipientdevice can respond to the document receipt by selecting reply in ane-mail application (step 322). Alternatively, the recipient device canrespond to the document receipt by selecting reply in a web interface ora custom web service. When responding via the reply in the e-mailapplication, the response is logged and routed to tablet PC 102 of thetransmitter as another envelope. Next, the process can stop (step 324).

FIGS. 3A and 3B describes a process for transmitting documents from atablet PC, such as tablet PC 102 shown in FIG. 1, to a remote computer,such as computer 108 shown in FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, asimilar process can be used for transmitting documents from a remotecomputer to a computer. This may include any of the documents describedherein.

Server computer 108 can store documents communicated between tablet PC102 and remote computer 106 for ensuring that operators receive thelatest revisions of all documentation from server computer 108 whilemaintaining an archive of previous versions. Server computer 108 canalso include a queuing system for the communicated data for ensuringthat communicated data is received by the intended recipient device.Tablet PC 102 can be responsible for finding a wireless connection foritself. If tablet PC 102 is transmitting data, it is tablet PC's 102responsibility to queue data until it locates a valid connection. Ifserver computer 106 queues the data until tablet PC 102 finds a validconnection and retrieves it. In particular, if wireless service is notavailable, documents can be queued and client computer 106 can searchfor a good wireless connection. When a wireless connection is found bythe table PC client, server computer 106 can automatically transmit thedocuments. Additionally, server computer 106 can transmit a messageindicating that particular data is available at server computer 106.Server computer 106 can also log all received communications.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart, generally designated 400, is providedwhich illustrates a process for transmitting documents from a servercomputer, such as server computer 108 shown in FIG. 1, to a wirelesscommunications device, such as tablet PC 102. The process begins at thestep indicated by reference numeral 402 where off-site personnel, suchas an architect, uploads a document to a repository database on servercomputer 108. At step 404, server computer 108 determines whether aprevious version of the uploaded document exists on the servercomputer's database. If a previous version does exist, the previousversion is updated with the uploaded version (step 406). Otherwise, theuploaded version is added to the server computer's database (step 408).Next, at step 410, server computer 108 determines whether any knownwireless communications device is using the document. If no knownwireless communications device is using the document, the process stops(step 412). Otherwise, the uploaded document is added to a pendingupdates list for all applicable users (step 414) and then the processstops (step 412). Once the documents are in the pending updates list,the documents can be automatically downloaded to specific wirelessdevices.

Server computer 108 can be operated by a service provider charging a feefor access and service. The service can include all network routing,communication, logging, and document storage for job site communicationssystem 100. Additionally, a web-based interface operating on aconventional personal computer or wireless communications device canprovide operators with access to system log files and documents. Theweb-based interface can be secure and password controlled.

According to one embodiment, a tablet PC can communicate with awireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point or a second computer on the jobsite via Wi-Fi communications. The second computer can serve as a mediumfor communicating data between the tablet PC and a remote computer.Referring to FIG. 5, another schematic diagram of a job sitecommunications system, generally designated 500, is illustrated. Jobsite communications system 500 can include the following: a tablet PC502, a Wi-Fi access point 504; a server computer 506; and a remotecomputer 508. Tablet PC 502 and Wi-Fi access point 504 can communicatevia a Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi access point 504 can communicate with theInternet 510 via a standard broadband connection, such as with a digitalsubscriber line (DSL), a T-1 line, or an integrated services digitalnetwork (ISDN) e-Point connection.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software applicationcan enable tablet PC 102 to convert paper reports into digital documentsand enable real-time transmission to remote computer 108. Paper reportscan be converted to a format for display on tablet PC 102. An operatorcan complete the form using a stylus for transmission to remote computer108 or other suitable computer. Tablet PC 102 can include a forms enginefor allowing key field areas on a form to be isolated and used by theend user. The key field areas can then perform handwriting recognition,or be mapped to backend data, such as pricing, inventory, material datasheets, order forms, reports, or installation and safety documentation.

According to one aspect, an operator can use remote computer 108 totransmit a request for a photograph, video, sketch, or annotated CADdrawing of a specific area of a building structure at a job site. First,the operator can use remote computer 108 to select a specific area of abuilding structure using a CAD viewer application. Remote computer 108can display a CAD document of the job site plans. The operator canselect a particular area of the job site plans and transmit informationto tablet PC 102 for requesting a photograph of the actual area of thejob site. After receiving the information request, tablet PC 102 canalert an operator to the request for a photograph. The operator can usethe digital camera of tablet PC 102 to capture a photograph of therequested area of the job site. The operator can also use tablet PC 102for annotating the document prior to transmission. Next, tablet PC 102can transmit the captured photograph to remote computer 108.

According to another aspect, remote computer 108 can automaticallytransmit, or push, CAD documents or other documents described herein totablet PC 102 as the CAD documents are updated, modified, or created.This transmission can occur without receiving a request for the CADdocuments from tablet PC 102. After receiving updated or modified CADdocuments, tablet PC 102 can replace outdated CAD documents with theupdated or modified CAD documents. Additionally, remote computer 108 cansimultaneously push the CAD documents or other documents describedherein to more than one tablet PC or wireless communications device.Tablet PC 102 can consume these documents automatically, in backgroundoperations, without operator interaction or polling.

According to one embodiment, tablet PC 102 can provide automated resumeoperability for sending digital envelopes or other documents. Forexample, a tablet PC operator can operate tablet PC 102 to generate anenvelope or document for transmitting to computer 106 or 108. Next, theoperator can operate tablet PC 102 to send the envelope or document.According to one embodiment, the operator can send the envelope ordocument with a “one-touch” operation wherein the envelope is preparedand table PC 102 automatically handles the transmission of the envelopeor document. Without further operator input, tablet PC 102 can continueefforts to communicate the envelope or document. This is especiallyadvantageous when communicating wirelessly because wirelesscommunication can be prone to a break in communication when transmittinglarge envelopes or documents. FIGS. 6A-6C are flow charts, generallydesignated 600, illustrating a process for automatically transmitting anenvelope or document via wireless communication. Referring specificallyto FIG. 6A, the process begins at the step indicated by referencenumeral 602 where an operator or process generates an envelope,document, or other suitable data for wireless communication (such ascellular-based communication) to a remote computer. According to oneembodiment, the process shown in FIGS. 6A-6C can be managed andimplemented by communication interface 208.

At step 604 of FIG. 6A, tablet PC 102 can store the data in a wirelessmessage queue. Next, tablet PC 102 can determine whether a wireless orcellular connection is available (step 606). If a connection is notavailable, tablet PC 102 utilizing the CONSTRUCTCONNECT™ software cancreate a wireless or cellular connection based on preconfigured settings(step 608). Next, at step 610, tablet PC 102 can configure settings forthe connection and proceed to step 612.

If a wireless or cellular connection is available or has beenestablished in steps 608 and 610, tablet PC 102 can determine the sizeof the data, a transport method, and location for delivering the data(step 612). Next, at step 614, tablet PC 102 can initiate the upload ordownload process for transferring the data to or from the remotecomputer. Referring now to FIG. 6B, tablet PC 102 can then determinewhether the data transfer was completed successfully (step 616).

Referring to FIG. 6B, if the data transfer was completed successfully,tablet PC 102 can automatically check the wireless message queue foradditional data (step 618). Next, at step 620, it is determined whetheradditional data is to be transmitted or received. If there is additionaldata, the process can proceed to step 606. Otherwise, the processproceeds to step 622 of FIG. 6C.

Referring again to step 616 of FIG. 6B, if it is determined that thedata transfer was not completed successfully, the process can proceed tostep 624. Tablet PC 102 can automatically validate the quality of thewireless or cellular signal and connection (step 624) and determinewhether the connection is good (step 626). The connection is not good ifit is low quality or corrupt. If the connection is not good, tablet PC102 can disconnect from the connection (step 628). In addition, tabletPC 102 can create a new wireless or cellular connection and validate thequality of the new connection (step 630). If the quality of the newconnection is not good, the process can proceed to step 628. Otherwisethe process can proceed to step 634.

If the connection is determined to be good at steps 626 or 632, tabletPC 102 can handshake with the remote computer or server and determinethe last successfully transmitted data, such as data packet or byte(step 634). Next, at step 636, tablet PC 102 can queue data to restarttransmission from the point after the last known transmitted data.Referring to FIG. 6A, transmission can be restarted for transmissionuntil the data has been fully transmitted (step 638).

Referring again to step 622 of FIG. 6C, tablet PC 102 can review theconfiguration for determining whether it should constantly persistwireless or cellular connection or disconnect from the connection basedon predefined values in the systems configuration file. The settings canalso be configured. At step 640, tablet PC 102 determines whether topersist the connection, even if the connection is interrupted. If it isdetermined not to persist the connection, tablet PC 102 can disconnectand wait for new data for transmission (step 642). Otherwise, tablet PC102 can maintain the connection until data transmission is complete andthen wait for additional data to transmit (step 644). Thus, process 600can provide a method for automatically handling the transmission of datato a remote computer.

As stated above, tablet PC 102 can communicate and process paper-baseddaily reports and punch lists, paper-based ordering material, anddelivery scheduling. These documents can be displayed to an operator onthe display of tablet PC 102. The operator can use a stylus forinputting text and other markings into blanks, or data entry portions,of these documents. Tablet PC 102 can interpret the operator's input forconversion to computer-readable text or other data type. FIGS. 7-15illustrate exemplary screen displays for tablet PC 102.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated700, of tablet PC 102 displaying a work authorization form. The formdisplayed on screen display 700 can include several uncompleted dataentry portions, generally designated 702. The form also includes dataentry portions, generally designated 704, that have not been complete bythe operator. After completion of the form, the form and interpretedinput can be transmitted to remote computer 108 for authorizing work.Tablet PC 102 can also utilize a screen display, such as screen display700, for receiving a user's signature. The signature can be captured bytablet PC 102 and transmitted as data.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated800, of tablet PC 102 displaying a product order form. The formdisplayed on screen display 800 can include a table 802 listing a numberof order specifications such as order quantity, size, thickness, type,and wood type. The operator can select a specific order quantity, size,thickness, type, or wood type by using the stylus to circle an orderspecification, as generally designated by reference numerals 804. TabletPC 102 can interpret the operator's input for completing the order.After completion of the form, the form and interpreted input can betransmitted to remote computer 108 to place the order.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated900, of tablet PC 102 displaying a main menu. The operator can use thestylus of tablet PC 102 to select one of icons 902, 904, and 906.Selection of icon 902 can provide another screen display for sending orrequesting information from remote computer 108. Selection of icon 904can provide forms and reports for transmission to remote computer 108.Selection of icon 906 can provide a view of project CAD documents andother available documents.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated1000, of tablet PC 102 displaying an annotated photograph.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated1100, of tablet PC 102 displaying a transmission interface. An operatorcan select one or more recipients 1102 and 1104 for transmitting one ormore documents described herein. Once a recipient is selected, theoperator can select a send icon 1106 for transmitting the documents.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated1200, of tablet PC 102 displaying a sketchpad. The operator can entersketches, drawings, or notes on the sketchpad by using the stylus oftablet PC 102. After completion, the drawing can be transmitted toremote computer 108.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary screen display, generally designated1300, of tablet PC 102 displaying an annotated CAD drawing. The CADdrawing can be annotated with sketches, drawings, or notes andsubsequently transmitted to remote computer 108. The operator canannotate the CAD drawing by using the stylus to write or draw on the CADdrawing.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate exemplary screen displays, generallydesignated 1400 and 1500, respectively, of tablet PC 102 displaying aparts catalog. Tablet PC 102 can be operable to display a selectedcatalog page for retrieving information about the part components shownon the page. Referring specifically to FIG. 14, the tablet PC operatorcan use the stylus to circle a part component 1400 and select the checkinventory icon 1400 for requesting information about the part fromremote computer 108. Remote computer 108 can receive the informationrequest for the part and transmit the information to tablet PC 102.Referring to FIG. 15, when the information has been received, tablet PC102 can display a window including the requested information for thepart. According to one embodiment, pricing information can be obtainedvia tablet PC 102. In addition, orders can be allowed via tablet PC 102.

It will be understood that various details of the subject matterdisclosed herein may be changed without departing from the scope of thesubject matter disclosed herein. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptionis for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimitation—the subject matter disclosed herein being defined by theclaims.

1. A system for communicating one or more complex documents to a list ofone or more recipients requiring a plurality of successive connectionsto a wire communication system, comprising: a) a portable computerhaving a computer memory storing a means to populate an envelope withthe complex documents; b) a plurality of means in the portable computerfor creating a connection to a wire communications system and fortransmitting the populated envelope and list of recipients to the wirecommunications system comprising a plurality of different connectionmeans; c) a means in the portable computer stored in the computer memoryto send the populated envelope and list of recipients in a plurality ofsuccessive transmissions to the wire communication system, the meanscapable of performing the steps of: i. selecting a preferred connectionfrom the plurality of connection means and connecting to the wirecommunication system; ii. determining if the connection is good; iii.disconnecting the connection any time the connection is determined notto be good; iv. transmitting a portion of at least one of the populatedenvelope and the list until the envelope and list are completelytransmitted or the connection is disconnected or lost; and v. repeatingsteps i. through iv. after the connection is disconnected or lost if theenvelope and list is not completely transmitted, locating the same ordifferent connection each time step i. is performed and starting eachsuccessive transmission from the point after the last known transmissionuntil the populated envelope and list of recipients have been completelytransmitted to the wire communication system with the caveat that priorto the completion of the transmission at least 2 different connectionmeans have been selected; d) a server separate from the connection meanshaving a server memory adapted for receiving and retaining the portionsof the populated envelope and list of recipients received from theportable computer over the wire communication system; e) a means in theserver memory for the server to combine the portions of the envelope andlist of recipients received from the wire communication system until thecontents of the envelope and list of recipients is fully received; f) ameans for the server to transmit the contents of the envelope to therecipients; and g) determining whether the connection should constantlypersist a wireless or cellular connection or disconnect from theconnection based on predefined values.
 2. A system according to claim 1wherein the wire communication system is the Internet.
 3. A systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the connection means is selected from thegroup comprising cellular, wireless and wired connections.